Things to do in Santa Cruz de la Sierra
Santa Cruz is Bolivia's most cosmopolitan city and, in many ways, the least representative of the country as a whole. Its low altitude and tropical climate only reinforce this distinction.
The city's population is diverse and its centre pulses with business. Perhaps as a consequence of its commercial energy, tourism in Santa Cruz is less about serious sightseeing, and more about shopping sprees, and enjoying the range of bars and restaurants.
Indeed, visitors won't find many iconic Bolivian landmarks or attractions. That said, Santa Cruz is a good base from which to venture into the wider region. Favourite day trips include trekking in Amboro National Park, visiting the nearby cultural hub of Samaipata, and exploring the many old Jesuit Missions in the area.
Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos
The Jesuit Church sent missionaries to a number of Bolivia's rural areas in the 16th century, with instructions to 'civilise' and convert indigenous tribes. Today, travellers can v…
Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos
The Jesuit Church sent missionaries to a number of Bolivia's rural areas in the 16th century, with instructions to 'civilise' and convert indigenous tribes. Today, travellers can visit the churches they built and cultivated. Many vibrant villages lie around these beautiful colonial structures, which were collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990. The six historic missions that remain intact are San Miguel, San Jose, Santa Ana, Concepcion, San Rafael, and San Francisco Javier. All of them are in the Chiquitania region near Santa Cruz. Many local tour operators offer packages that include visits to several villages, all within easy reach of the city.
Samaipata
The tiny village of Samaipata lies two hours' drive southwest of Santa Cruz. Its home to an array of local tribes and some beautiful examples of Spanish colonial architecture. Visi…
Samaipata
The tiny village of Samaipata lies two hours' drive southwest of Santa Cruz. Its home to an array of local tribes and some beautiful examples of Spanish colonial architecture. Visitors will encounter several important attractions, including El Fuerte, which is a set of pre-Incan ruins designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Las Cuevas Waterfalls. Condor Mountain and the stunning Amboro National Park are also nearby. Travellers should note that Samaipata is the start and end point of the Che Guevara Trail, which visits sites of interest.
Amboro National Park
Amboro National Park is a nature reserve in central Bolivia. Its wildlife population includes more than 800 species of birds, and many endangered animals such as the puma, jaguar a…
Amboro National Park
Amboro National Park is a nature reserve in central Bolivia. Its wildlife population includes more than 800 species of birds, and many endangered animals such as the puma, jaguar and spectacled bear. Hikers will encounter a diverse terrain, which covers the northern Chaco, Andes foothills, and Amazon Basin. The region's spectacular scenery features canyons, forests, mountains, rivers, and waterfalls. Visitors can pass the time birdwatching at La Chonta outlook, sunning themselves on the beaches of the Surutu River, or hiking the Yungas Mountains. Getting to the park is relatively easy, given that it's only around 93 miles (150km) northwest of Santa Cruz de la Sierra. A number of tour operators offer outings to Amboro and a range of activities in the park.